Hyderabad Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has asserted that those who commit wrongdoings, regardless of their stature, must face scrutiny in a democracy. Speaking at the Ravi Narayan Reddy National Award ceremony held at the Ravi Narayan Reddy Auditorium in Banjara Hills, he emphasized that accountability is paramount and that no one is above the law.
During the event organized by the Telangana Amaraveerula Smaraka Trust, the Chief Minister presented the award to former Supreme Court Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, who has been selected for this honor for the year 2025. In his address, Reddy remarked on the recent claims of certain individuals who have labeled themselves as the “father of Telangana” and questioned how such titles could be bestowed upon them after being embroiled in controversies.
The Chief Minister highlighted the absurdity of individuals, claiming to be the architects of Telangana, evading legal notices issued by the police regarding specific cases. He firmly stated that anyone involved in government malpractices would face investigation, and if they are unable to attend due to age, authorities would conduct inquiries at their residences. Reddy argued that attempts to evade legal scrutiny, such as hiding in farmhouses or bathrooms, would not be tolerated.
Reddy expressed his disapproval of the current political climate, where some leaders have amassed vast fortunes while proclaiming to be champions of the people. He underscored that Ravi Narayan Reddy, a key figure in the Telangana armed struggle, had given away significant portions of his land to the poor, in stark contrast to those who now accumulate wealth and power under the guise of leadership.
He pointed out that historical figures like Shibu Soren, Jayalalithaa, Yediyurappa, and Laloo Prasad Yadav have all faced investigations, emphasizing that no one is above accountability in a democracy. Reddy reminded the audience that it is essential for all individuals to recognize their responsibilities and understand the implications of their actions in a democratic setup.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister praised Ravi Narayan Reddy for his contributions to the nation, notably his electoral victory in the first parliamentary elections post-independence, where he secured a majority greater than that of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Reddy’s efforts against feudal governance and his dedication to the welfare of the less fortunate were highlighted as exemplary.
Justice Sudarshan Reddy, who also spoke at the event, emphasized the need for research on Ravi Narayan Reddy’s work, particularly his book “Telangana Nagnasatyam.” He noted that no PhD students have pursued research on this book, indicating the potential wealth of information it contains about the state’s history and constitutional amendments.
Reddy concluded by urging the younger generation to engage in politics and uphold the principles of democracy, while also cautioning against the attempts by certain political factions to undermine the constitution. The event was attended by various political leaders and members of the community, reflecting a collective commitment to uphold the values of democracy and accountability in Telangana.
